As a trillion-dollar industry in daily trade volume, the forex market is the largest in the world. As a result, this industry is not short of brokers that provide users with direct access to the financial markets through trading platforms. However, despite the wide choice, some of the brokers are simply scams that have been set up to con people out of their hard-earned cash. To protect your investments and to trade with peace of mind, it is recommended to partner with a regulated forex broker.
Australia is one of the biggest online trading hubs in the world, and the market is regulated by the ASIC, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. This regulatory body ensures that all brokers operating within the forex space in the country operate within strict regulatory guidelines and do not indulge in illegal practices. In addition, regulated brokers have insurance, which means your money is safe in the event of any unlikely events. These brokers also get audited, making it incredibly difficult for them to manipulate trading activities. Based on this, it is always recommended to partner with an ASIC regulated forex broker. In this way, you will always be trading with a legit, insured, and transparent platform as you trade financial assets online.
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Table of Contents
Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a top broker established in 2010 and they are known for offering Forex, CFD, and cryptocurrency trading services. They have low forex-trading fees and offer a wealth of trading tips and educational resources. They have a global reach and their services are available to customers in the UK and Europe.
- Trading Platforms:
MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4 and MT5) and cTrader. Social trading is also available - Trading Instruments:
Forex, commodities, shares, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs. - Depositing Methods:
Bank transfer, PayPal, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), Skrill, UnionPay, POLi, and BPay.
FP Markets
FP Markets is one of the oldest forex brokers and has been around since 2005. It is an ASIC regulated forex broker that offers access to various assets, including Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and more. Their low trading fees and vast trading resources are a big plus.
- Trading Platforms:
MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4 and MT5), IRESS and WebTrader. They also offer a mobile trading app. - Trading Instruments:
Forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, metals, equities, and indices. - Depositing Methods:
International Bank Transfer, Credit cards (Visa Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller, and broker to broker.
Mason Ford
Mason Ford is one of the leading British brokers that offer a wide range of effective and powerful tools, services, and features to traders in the UK, Australia, and more.
- Trading Platforms:
WebTrader - Trading Instruments:
Forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies and metals. - Depositing Methods:
Bank Wire, Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard).
Fortrade
Fortrade is a UK-based broker established in 2013 that has become popular for offering forex and CFD products to investors all over the world. They have a user-friendly trading environment that is suitable for both new and advanced traders.
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- Trading Platforms:
WebTrader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), Web Fortrader, Mobile Fortrade apps. - Trading Instruments
Forex, indices, stocks, energy, agriculture, metals, and US treasuries. - Depositing Methods
Bank transfer, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, PayPal and Neteller
IC Markets
IC Markets has been around since 2007. The broker offers excellent CFD and forex trading services to users in various parts of the world. Users of the broker get access to a wide range of trading tools and educational materials and enjoy fast order execution.
- Trading Platforms:
MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4 and MT5), and cTrader. - Trading Instruments:
Forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, stocks, commodities, and futures. - Depositing Methods:
Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and UnionPay.
AvaTrade
AvaTrade is one of the largest global brokers, providing traders with access to over 1000 financial instruments. This broker offers access to a choice of trading platforms and also offers access to comprehensive educational resources to boost trading success.
- Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4 and MT5), AvaOptions, AvaTradeGO (mobile) and Mac trading. - Trading Instruments
Forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, FXOptions, bonds indices, and ETFs. - Depositing Methods
POLi, Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and Bank Transfer.
Plus500
Plus 500 is one of the leading brokers in the world, regulated in numerous countries, and is listed on a stock exchange. The broker offers low trading fees for its various products, including currencies, cryptos, and CFDs.
- Trading Platforms:
WebTrader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), Web Fortrader, Mobile Fortrade apps. - Trading Instruments:
Commodities, Forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, and shares. - Depositing Methods:
Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and PayPal.
IG Markets
IG Markets is a top broker that is listed on a stock exchange. IG Markets has been around since 1974, and it is regulated by various agencies around the world. They have one of the best web-based trading platforms in the world.
- Trading Platforms:
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), ProRealTime (PRT), mobile app and L2 Dealer. - Trading Instruments:
Commodities, cryptocurrencies, Forex, share CFDs, indices, options, Digital 100s, bonds, and interest rates. - Depositing Methods:
Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal.
Admiral Markets
Admiral Markets has been around since 2001, and it is an ASIC regulated broker. It is considered one of the best forex brokers in the industry. They offer access to instruments like Forex, cryptocurrencies, equities, and CFDs. Admiral Markets is also popular for its industry-leading educational content
- Trading Platforms:
MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4 and MT5), WebTrader and MT Supreme. - Trading Instruments:
Cryptocurrencies, Forex, commodities, indices, Equities, Bonds, and ETFs. - Depositing Methods:
Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Klarna, SafetyPay, iBank&BankLink, Przelewy, iDEAL and Bank Transfer.
FX Pro
FX Pro is one of the leading regulated brokers that supports multiple trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. This broker offers various pricing options, including multiple execution methods. Its features make it a safe platform for trading forex and CFD products.
- Trading Platforms:
MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4 and MT5), cTrader, and FxProEdge. - Trading Instruments:
Indices, Forex, shares, energies, futures, and metals. - Depositing Methods:
Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay and broker to broker.
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How to Choose an ASIC broker?
Partnering with an ASIC regulated forex brokers allows you to trade forex assets with peace of mind and to avoid scams. There are a few criteria to look at when choosing an ASIC broker.
- Check for Licenses and Countries of Operation
You have to check the licenses and countries of operation of a broker to determine whether it is ASIC regulated or not. You should also check out the official license and regulation pages on the broker’s website. This is to ensure that they are really are ASIC regulated forex brokers.
- Monetary Policies
You should also look at the monetary policies of the broker to determine whether it is transparent enough for you. ASIC regulation requires brokers to separate their traders’ money from the company money. Hence, operational funds and traders’ money are never mixed, which ensures that your money is safe from unauthorized access when using ASIC regulated forex brokers.
- Safety and Security
The safety and security of the broker’s trading platform are particularly important. While a license does not always guarantee high levels of Internet and data security, you should choose a broker that provides adequate security to ensure the safety of your information and funds.
- Trading Platforms and Instruments
To make it easier for people to select the right regulated broker, they should look at the available trading platforms and instruments. The top ASIC regulated brokers offer a wide range of platforms like MT4, MT5, and more. They also allow traders to access a wide range of financial products, including Forex, stocks, cryptos, and other CFDs.
- Order Execution
You should also look at the speed of order execution of a broker before trading with them. Brokers with fast order execution mean that you will not lose out any potential profit.
What is ASIC?
About ASIC
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission, known as ASIC, was founded in 2001 and is an independent government body that serves as Australia’s corporate regulator. The regulator is primarily in charge of enforcing and regulating companies and financial services providers to protect Australian consumers, investors, and creditors.
ASIC, as an independent government, was established by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act of 2001 (ASIC ACT). It falls under the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and regulates financial markets, companies, financial services organizations and professionals who either deal with or advise on various areas, such as investments, insurance, superannuation, credit, and deposit-taking.
ASIC issues licenses and monitors financial service businesses to ensure that they operate honestly, efficiently, and fairly. The service centers of ASIC are found in all of Australia’s capital cities.
ASIC’s Role
The following are the roles assigned to ASIC.
- Facilitate, maintain, and improve the performance of the financial system in Australia
- Ensure more investor participation by promoting confidence
- Effectively and efficiently administer and enforce the law
- Process and store information faster and more efficiently
- Provide the Australian public with accurate and timely information regarding companies and other bodies operating in the financial space
- Take necessary actions to enforce and give effects to laws and regulations in the Australian financial markets.
ASIC helps boost investor and financial consumer confidence and trust by educating the general public and investors on their responsibilities. The regulator holds gatekeepers to account and actively studies consumer behavior. This helps them to determine how investors and consumers make decisions. ASIC is tasked with ensuring fair and transparent financial markets, which is achieved by serving as the market supervisor and corporate regulator. The regulator carries out this task according to the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. ASIC also advises the Minister when emerging markets are being considered for authorization and regulation.
Laws ASIC Administer
ASIC administers the following laws in Australia:
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act of 2001, also called (ASIC Act)
- National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (National Credit Act).
- Business Names Registration Act 2011
- Insurance Contracts Act 1984
- Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)
The regulator also administers parts of the following legislation:
- Life Insurance Act 1995
- Banking Act 1959
- Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) Act 2003
- Superannuation (Resolution of Complaints) Act 1993
- Retirement Savings Accounts Act 1997
- Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act).
Powers of ASIC
According to ASIC, the regulator holds a wide range of responsibilities and powers within the Australian financial space. Here is the list of powers that fall within ASIC’s mandate:
- Register companies in the industry and manage investment schemes
- Grant Australian credit licenses and financial services licenses in the country
- It grants relief from the numerous provisions of the legislation that it handles
- Handles and maintains publicly accessible registers of information regarding financial services licensees, companies, and credit licensees. The information and data that can be obtained from the public registry includes a company’s current and/or historical information, previous and current address, former directors, previous names, and the company’s unique identification number (ABN, ACN, ARBN, ARSN). Other information available also includes the type of company (limited by shares, proprietary company, or others), registered data, next review date, location of registered office in Australia, and other professional licenses of registrations (e.g., an Australian financial services license or credit license).
- Introduce rules to help maintain the integrity of the financial markets
- Investigate alleged breaches of the law by requiring companies and individuals to produce documents or answer relevant questions.
- Hand out infringement notices regarding suspected breaches of certain regulations
- Ban consumers and investors from carrying out credit activities or companies from providing financial services
- Pursue civil penalties from the courts
- Start and handle prosecutions that are carried out by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions
ASIC Regulation
ASIC has the following regulation principles for organizations and investors operating in the country:
- Information Sheets: This provides accurate and well-detailed guidance on a specific process, an overview of detailed guidance, or compliance issues. Some of the information sheets available include; licensing requirements for providers of financial markets services, credit license applications, document production guidelines, whistleblower reports, and more.
- Regulatory guides: These guides explain how and when ASIC exercises its powers, practical guidance for processes, explains how ASIC interprets the law and describes the principles underlying their approaches. You can see the following regulatory guides; whistleblower policies, licensing regimes for financial benchmark administrators, oversight of compliance schemes, and more.
- Reports: Describes the regulator’s compliance or relief activity or the results of research work.
- Consultation Papers: these papers help obtain feedback from stakeholders on issues ASIC is considering. Some of these issues could be proposed relief or regulatory guidance for the financial markets.
- Legislative Instruments: ASIC provides regulator updates on legislative instruments, which are regulations that exempt a person or group from certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 or other Acts handles by the commission.
- ASIC Submissions: The commission makes submissions following reviews and inquiries from the public. The submitted documents could be for anything such as consumer lending, financial advice, loans to small and medium enterprises, and productivity and competition in the Australian financial system.
Summary
Partnering with ASIC regulated forex brokers is one of the best things you can do as a trader looking for success in the online world of trading. ASIC regulations are specially designed to ensure you have maximum exposure to the financial markets while protecting your investments and interest at large. The regulated brokers reviewed above are some of the best providing services in the country and globally. The brokers have an expansive payment system, allow people to trade Forex and a wide range of other instruments, operate intuitive and advanced trading platforms, and fully comply with the regulations to ensure your safety and convenience. All of the above-mentioned brokers abide by ASIC regulations and are a top choice for traders. As explained above, selecting the right regulated broker depends on a few factors, such as their licenses, trading platforms and instruments, insurance, and more. Take the time to check that the broker you have selected offers the services required to match your trading preferences and risk appetite.
ASIC has been providing an excellent regulatory framework in Australia, which is one of the biggest online financial market hubs in the world. The regulator plays a crucial role in administering policies and laws, maintaining the efficiency of the financial markets, protecting investors and consumers, and attracting more investors and consumers to the trading and investment world.
